Muscle Spasms and Cramps
The Benefits of Massage Therapy

Muscle spasms and cramps can be quite painful. Massage therapy benefits spasms and cramps by helping the muscle relax and bringing more blood to the damaged tissue.

A spasm or cramp occurs when a muscle contracts involuntarily. The muscle contraction can be intermittent or constant. Muscles that are overworked are prone to cramping. It can also occur if a muscle is held in one position for too long.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can also contribute to getting cramps and spasms. Calcium and magnesium deficiencies or imbalances are often the culprits, but a potassium deficiency can also contribute.

Spasms and cramps are sometimes associated with other diseases like anemia, diabetes, thyroid problems, kidney disease, multiple sclerosis, and spinal chord injuries.

Alcohol intake and dehydration also add to cramping and muscle spasms.

When the muscle spasms, the tightening of the tissue traps waste products in the muscle and prevents oxygen rich blood from entering it. The muscle becomes starved and knots form in the tissue.

Massage can help relieve spasms and cramps by loosening the muscle tissue letting fresh blood into the area and letting waste products out. When you get a massage the therapist can use a variety of techniques to promote healing within the muscle.

The therapist may use myofascial release, trigger point therapy, Swedish massage, neuromuscular therapy, or even proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation.

Preventing Spasms and Cramps

Clean up your diet. Eating and drinking foods that are high in sugar and caffeine will contribute to cramps and spasms. Eating fresh whole foods that are high in vitamins and minerals will help lessen cramps and spasms.

Stay hydrated. You need to be especially aware of how hydrated you are when the weather is hot and you've been outdoors.

Eat a banana. Bananas contain tons of potassium. Eating one or two will help replenish the potassium you've lost while sweating.

Use static pressure. When you experience a cramp or spasm you can use your open relaxed hand to put firm pressure on the muscle until the cramp stops. This methods works especially well for leg cramps.

Stretch. Stretch before and after your exercise to decrease the risk of injury.